Your staff induction to Essex

Find out what to expect before your first day, during your first few weeks, and throughout your induction at the University of Essex.

Completing your induction helps you understand how we work at Essex and provides the information and support to help you settle in and perform in your role. It forms an important part of successfully completing your probation period.

The New Employee Checklist (.docx) will help to guide and support your induction.

Before your first day

Documentation and essential checks

• Check, sign and return your employment contract.
• Provide identification and any right to work documentation required for verification.
• Review and return any payroll and pension forms and documents as requested in your Payroll Information Pack.
• Complete any outstanding pre-employment checks and provide references where required.

Preparing for arrival

• Look out for a welcome email from your line manager with details of your induction and first day arrangements
• Make a note of key contacts and familiarise yourself with your campus, including key buildings and facilities before your first day.
• Discuss any accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments with your line manager.
• Plan your travel to campus, including parking arrangements where needed.
• Arrange accommodation before your start date if you are relocating. Newly appointed employees on grades 7-11 may be entitled to reimbursement of their removal and relocation costs.
• Review health insurance options if relevant to you.

Getting started

Welcome and orientation

• Meet your line manager, induction buddy and colleagues.
• Review your induction plan and raise any questions you may have.
• Use the New Employee Induction Checklist alongside your local induction activities.
• Take a tour of key facilities, services and campus locations.
• Consider sustainable travel options to and from campus, including, if required, register your vehicle and apply for a parking permit.

Technical setup

• Set up your IT account, email, email signature, calendars, shared drives, relevant team systems and telephone access (as applicable).
• Become familiar with the Staff Directory, HR Organiser and other key systems (as applicable).
• Update your staff profile and any departmental profile information.
• Arrange your employee/staff campus card.
• Complete the Health and Safety Induction Checklist and understand emergency, security, accident and safety reporting procedures.
• Complete a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) self-assessment and discuss any requirements with your line manager.

First two weeks

Becoming established in your role

• Meet regularly with your line manager to understand your role, priorities and objectives.
• Complete How We Work at Essex essential training and any other essential training required for your role.
• Check and update your employment details in HR Organiser.
• Explore opportunities for work shadowing and learning from colleagues.
• Learn about staff wellbeing resources, networks and forums.
• Attend regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager.
• Share feedback on your induction experience.
• Agree a Probation or Academic Agreement with your line manager.

Ongoing support and development

Performance and development

• Attend regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager and use these opportunities to discuss progress, questions and development needs.
• Continue to provide feedback on your induction experience.
• Keep essential training up to date and identify further development opportunities.
• Visit the Staff Directory regularly for learning and development opportunities.